Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Children's Scrutiny Panel meeting. The agenda included consideration of the Kirklees Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Sufficiency Strategy for 2025-2028, and a draft action plan regarding the SEND Inspection report. The Panel was also scheduled to discuss potential areas of pre-decision scrutiny regarding upcoming cabinet decisions related to children and young people.

Kirklees SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2025-2028

The Panel was scheduled to consider the Kirklees SEND Sufficiency Strategy for Kirklees 2025-2028. The strategy provides information on work being done to ensure enough provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Kirklees. According to the report pack, all local authorities have a legal duty to understand the needs of children and young people with SEND. The strategy was intended to demonstrate that Kirklees Council understands the needs of the local population and how those needs are changing. The report pack stated that the strategy looks at longer-term intentions, as well as immediate needs for provision, and that it:

tells us where we need to invest more money in creating new places or provisions. This may include working with Alternative Provision, building new schools and/or adapting existing schools for a different purpose. It helps us to explain to providers (e.g. schools and health services) where we need to make changes to current provision to meet current and future need. It will help us to make sure we plan in advance and that our provision is sustainable and that we get the best value for money.

The strategy was designed to align with Our Kirklees Futures, SEND - The Big Plan, the Kirklees SEND Joint Commissioning Strategy, and Securing High Quality Learning Places.

The strategy includes an appendix with data and sources used to develop the SEND Sufficiency Strategy. It notes that the document will be updated annually based on the SEN2 return¹. The data included in the appendix indicated that the percentage of children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)² or receiving SEN support is slightly below national and regional averages. The strategy also outlines the Kirklees approach to planning school places, noting that it is a complex process dependent on numerous variables, including: fluctuations and underlying trends in child population demographics, changes in housing developments, and the migration of families.

The strategy sets out a number of 'inclusive ambitions', including:

• Children have the best start in life and achieve their potential
• Children and families are supported at the earliest opportunity
• Young people are educated in Kirklees
• Young people have a consistent and inclusive offer
• Educational outcomes and whatever young people are interested in - we want them to excel

The strategy also provides an overview of current provision for children and young people with SEND in Kirklees, including: inclusive mainstream schools and colleges, Additionally Resourced Provision³ in mainstream schools, and alternative provision⁴. The strategy identifies areas of demand, including: social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, neurodiversity, speech, language and communication, and multiple needs. It also addresses change of phase and post-16 provision.

SEND Inspection Report

The Panel was scheduled to consider a draft action plan regarding the SEND Inspection report. The report pack did not contain any further information about this item.

Pre-decision scrutiny

The Panel was scheduled to consider any potential areas of pre-decision scrutiny in accordance with any cabinet decisions relating to children and young people which are on the horizon and receive updates from senior officers in Children's Services.